We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

    31 Things From Target That Are Fun Summer Purchases (But Are Also Actually Useful)

    From citrus ice cubes to the famous TikTok rainbow blob, these finds will be a blast *and* actually helpful to your life.

    1. A rainbow blob water slide and cooling mat that will make those hot summer days bearable and fun. Use this mat to cool off while outside or connect it to a hose to spray water on the blob for extra enjoyment (like the photo below). It's been all the rage on TikTok!

    The rainbow blob has two children sliding on top and an adult sitting on the ground nearby

    2. A 10-count set of vintage LED drop string lights to transform your patio into a glowing party. These lights and their long-lasting LED bulbs can be reused year-round for holidays or other festivities. Start planning your next event!

    The lights are hung outside with a light pink sky in the background

    3. A TPH by Taraji Master Cleanse Scalp Treatment Wash that's vegan and paraben-free. Give your hair a deep clean after spending time outdoors while using the innovative tri-touch applicator. Your hair will thank you!

    The bright yellow bottle says "TPH Master Cleanse" and the applicator is squeezing out the clear product

    4. A wood patio potting bench for your backyard garden. There are three shelves and hooks for hanging on the weather-resistant coated eucalyptus wood. You can start a new hobby while growing fresh produce. You'll be a sustainability star!

    The blackened wood patio bench is outside and surrounded by gardening supplies, a chicken and fresh produce

    5. A round cosmic stars and moons fire pit that'll help you roast all the marshmallows and make all the s'mores your heart desires. The rust patina high-temperature paint finish and sturdy spark screen make this set super useful while the cutouts make it stunning. What are you waiting for?

    The rust patina colored fire pit has a nearby poker and flames inside the pit and under the screen

    6. A weather-resistant inflatable theater kit with an outdoor projector, projection screen and projector stand that will help you have a LEGENDARY movie night. This enjoyable and easy setup will be a great memory to share with loved ones this summer. Just imagine watching a nostalgic movie while outside under the stars. Ah.

    The projector has a lit up movie and there are two children and two adults outdoors at night watching

    7. A pop-up portable gazebo tent to help you glamp or just enjoy being outside free of pests. At only 8.4 pounds, this set is easy to transport and can fit four to six people. Who said camping has to be hard?

    The pop-up gazebo tent is outside and says "Alvantor" and has porch furniture inside

    8. A CultureTags card game that'll be a great way to bond with those you love while making you all laugh. IYKYK.

    The yellow game box is covered in hashtag symbols and says "CULTURETAGS" and below "a game for people who love hashtags + the culture"

    9. A bottle of Capital City Sweet Hot Mambo Sauce to spice up your favorite meals. This sauce is vegan and can be used as a marinade, glaze, finishing sauce or even for dipping. Its original taste of Washington, DC, has been featured on First We Feast, The Hot Ones, The Washington Post, Complex and The Kitchn. It's time to get your hands on this sauce.

    The bottle of sauce says "CAPITAL CITY MAMBO SAUCE" and is surrounded by peppers and greens

    10. A Spikeball game set for outdoor fun anytime you're hosting a shindig with mutual friend groups and aren't sure how to break the ice. The game can be played by two teams of two players each with kids and adults. This easy game will be a blast and last for a long time. Enjoy!

    The Spikeball set has balls, a drawstring bag and and a net

    11. A pineapple bubble machine that'll help kids have hours of fun. The rotating wands create a constant stream of bubbles and the cute fruit shape makes it stand out at an event. You can repurpose this outdoor fun whenever you want an exciting distraction or break. Fun awaits!

    The pineapple bubble blower had a steady stream of bubbles coming out against a purple and grass background

    12. A three-piece set of plastic printed food storage bowls to store your food in style while keeping them fresh and easy to transport. They are dishwasher safe and BPA free. So convenient!

    The bottom container has cacti, the middle one has flamingoes and the top one has pineapples with little faces

    13. An electric classic style three-tier outdoor water fountain that will add an instant touch of elegance to your backyard while also creating a space for birds or other friendly outdoor friends. The fountain doesn't require any plumbing and just needs a standard outdoor electrical outlet. Stunning!

    The three tiered fountain is grey and streams of water against a brick and green outdoor area

    14. A cactus lounge float to make chilling in the pool or at the lake a dream. The cactus provides a comfortable back rest while showing off a quirky design. This float is a must-have for plant lovers.

    The cactus float is green with yellow spikes and a pink flower at the top

    15. A fruit picnic blanket that's perfect for sunset picnic dates or early mornings on the beach. This throw is reversible, machine-washable and has easy storage. In love!

    The blanket has various fruits like papaya, dragonfruit, kiwi, pineapples and various others

    16. A bamboo spun serving bowl so it'll be easy to serve your favorite dishes. The beautiful design has a natural finish and open handles. Use this dish year-round to impress your guests!

    The bamboo spun serving bowl is full of salad and has utensils nearby

    17. A two-piece bamboo melamine floral serving platter that is gorgeous and will mix function and fashion to how you serve your food. The raised edges prevent food spills and the platters are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. Be bold!

    The floral serving plates are holding carious types of food and are surrounded by beverages and other decor like flowers

    18. An Opalhouse set of two bamboo melamine mini bowls perfect for dips and snacks, especially to spruce up your charcuterie spread. The BPA-free bowls are dishwasher safe and have a semi-satin finish. They're sturdy enough to use every day and beautiful enough to show them off during special occasions. Score!

    The citrus bowl is holding mixed fruits and nuts and the polka dot bowl is near a plate of fresh fruit

    19. An Opalhouse bamboo melamine dinner plate so all your meals will pop. The BPA-free and dishwasher plates have a round silhouette and are great for appetizers or entrees. Enjoy!

    The bright pink plate is on an all white table setting

    20. A Hearth & Hand wood and metal tray for serving that will have endless uses in your home. From holding hot cocoa supplies to displaying your favorite trinkets, this decorative tray is lovely and useful. Gah!

    The tray us holding hot cocoa and marshmallows at an outdoor fire pit

    21. A citrus swizzle stick ice mold to create impressive and intricate shapes for your drinks. This large ice cube will cool your drink easily and quickly while looking *so* freakin' cute. Plus, they're easy to pop out of the silicone mold. These are a NEED, not a want.

    The three-tiered citrus ice cube is over a glass of what looks like lemonade

    22. A CamelBak 12-ounce vacuum insulated stainless steel camp mug perfect for road trips, camping or a day on the water. Keep liquids cold for six hours and hot for four. Plus, it's spill-resistant! Pretty cool, huh!?

    The green mug is in an adult's hand and is resting on a surfboard with a body of water in the background

    23. A zip closure hip bag, aka the definition of mixing utility and style. The double zip compartments easily organize your essentials and the adjustable strap will help you find the perfect fit. The bright and fun colors will add a bold addition to any of your outfits.

    The yellow fanny pack has two large zips and says "wild fable" on the inside

    24. A melatonin nighttime lotion that will help you rest and recover. This cruelty-free, vegan, non-toxic and paraben-free blend is even used by tennis player Venus Williams. The shea butter and sweet almond oil moisturize your skin. Let this lotion be a fun way to treat yourself.

    The blue bottle has a marbled flower and says "Asutra" and "Dream the night away"

    25. A 30-hour mosquito repellent candle to keep bugs away and provide comforting light. The candle burns up to 30 hours and is made of a soy wax and beeswax blend. The refreshing scent is enjoyable and helpful. Lifesaver!

    The candle itself is white and has a mix of oranges and greens on the package and says "Murphy's Naturals"

    26. A popcorn machine that'll bring the moviegoing experience straight to your home. The popcorn maker has a 20-cup capacity and mixes novelty with saving money and time. You can fire up this set to bond with loved ones whenever you want!

    The machine is red and says "WestBend" "Popcorn" and has kernels and oil surrounding it

    27. A Bluetooth microphone as a cheap and easy way to sing karaoke or just jam out. The device has lighting effects that sync with the music and singing and it works with all music apps. Plus, there are six voice-changing effects to goof off to. This'll be your next handy party trick.

    There are two teenagers singing with the microphone that says "PARTY MACHINE"

    28. A Sony extra bass, Bluetooth and waterproof speaker that will be your new best friend. This handy device has up to 12 hours of battery life and sync up to 100 speakers. (What!?) You can use this for outdoor or indoor jams all summer long.

    The black speaker says "SONY" and is in the arm hole of a folding chair at a campsite

    29. A tie-dye kit to help you relive a summer classic. Make custom T-shirts out of non-toxic materials with people of all ages! You'll create something you can wear and enjoy time and time again. What's not to love?

    There is a finished blue and green toned shirt as well as supplies and another shirt in progress

    30. A jumbo tipping tower game – it's a spin on a childhood favorite. Create an afternoon of fun with these colorful blocks that are reusable and easy to transport. Just don't be the one to make the tower fall. ;)

    The jumbo tower has pink, red and yellow blocks

    31. A Polaroid OneStep+ Camera that'll capture all of your summer memories while adding a retro touch. Practice your inner photography skills and enjoy instant keepsakes. Don't be afraid to get a little artsy fartsy.

    The black camera says "Polaroid" and "OneStep+" with rainbow stripes connecting the lens to the body of the camera

    Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!

    illustrated gift guide banner